This resource is a complete science unit with engaging lessons and experiments to introduce second, third, and even fourth grade students to science, the scientific method, and other processes scientists use. Students learn about different areas of science, types of scientists and the jobs they do, science tools, science safety, and planning and conducting experiments using the scientific method. Your students will enjoy ten high engagement lessons in a detailed teaching Power Point, science journal and center activities for each lesson, and 3 high interest science experiments that give students lab experience and build a foundation for your future science units.

DISTANCE LEARNING: I have added directions for adapting and digitizing the student pages and Power Point lessons in this resource for distance learning and Google Classroom.

CLICK HERE for a ready-made Google Slides version of all student activities in this unit.

Students explore and experiment with buoyancy, solubility, and chemical reactions. These fun science experiments give students practice using the scientific method and can also serve as a scaffold to students designing and conducting their own experiments with the included planning pages.

Aligned to both Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards this flexible unit can be taught over 8, 10, or 11 days depending on the number of experiments you choose to do. It includes a multitude of high quality resources, posters and a bonus bulletin board/science wall and can be used at the beginning of the year as an introduction to your science instruction or spread throughout the school year.

Plan and conduct an investigation to describe and classify different kinds of materials by their observable properties. Observations could include color, texture, hardness, and flexibility. Patterns could include the similar properties that different materials share.

NGSSK-2-ETS1-3

Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

CCSSW.3.8

Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.

CCSSW.3.7

Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

CCSSW.2.8

Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.